What about biodiesel?

CAUTION!!!!! 

Over the past few years we have been asked about the desirability of using the new BIODIESEL/soy diesel fuel for diesel engines.

Our normal response is that if it burns cleaner and reduces emissions, go ahead and use it for fuel, providing, however, that the diesel engine manufacturer and your diesel mechanic have given their sanctions.

We have polished a large number of diesel fuel tanks containing a percentage of biodiesel (soy diesel) in the range of 25–50%. In every case there were considerable amounts of algae and other contamination. Some of the boat owners had been told that soy diesel would be cleansing and to expect more particulate contamination in their fuel tank(s) as a result of using this type of fuel.

A very upscale, high-visibility Marina in our San Francisco Bay area only burns 100% soy diesel in their work boat. In fact, they have their own 1,000 gallon storage tank and are very sensitive about their soy diesel fuel being contaminated with ordinary diesel fuel. However, they reported that the soy diesel has attacked and dissolved some of the rubber hoses on their engine and in their storage tank. We can corroborate this, because after only two (2) hours submission in soy diesel our AeroQuip Coast-guard-approved fuel hose softened and began to disintegrate.

If utilizing soy diesel lessens hydrocarbon emissions versus mineral-derived diesel, then it’s good, providing it doesn’t disintegrate the hoses and seals of the diesel engine.

My grandfather burned soy diesel in his old John Deere tractor. The exhaust fumes were pretty foul, or maybe it was his cigar!

Please call DIESEL FUEL FILTERING for quotation & appointment!   (510) 521-6797

We are in compliance with State and Federal Specifications and Pollution Control